Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS)

Do you ever feel like you are at war with yourself? Do you ever say something like “part of me wants ___, but another part of me wants ___. I can’t seem to reconcile these battling parts!”

Sometimes, we lack motivation to get a specific project or task completed. Sometimes, we think so poorly of ourselves, we make deliberate attempts to sabotage our efforts in order to not fail. Sometimes our anxiety causes such panic, we freeze even at the slightest worries. Sometimes, our past or more recent traumas seems to haunt us, even though everything around us tells us we are safe. Sometimes we are just, stuck.

Why do these things happen?

Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS), aptly nick-named “parts work” is a model that explains how as individuals, we are more than just one thing—we are made up of various parts that are connected to past events and issues. These parts can wreak havoc on our lives, keep us stuck, and cause real problems.

How does IFS Work?

The process of parts work allows us to “go inside” and get to know these parts of us. We’ve either fought with them for long enough, or we’ve tried to tuck them away ot avoid discomfort and pain, but that simply doesn’t work! Rather, we start to learn about, understand and even communicate with these parts. As we get to know them we develop clarity about why they exists and what they are trying to do for us—they are usually trying to help us in some way!

As we develop a better connection and relationship with these parts, we can better influence the right kind of change we want. We increase our Self- energy, and we make better decisions with better processes for how we want to direct our lives.

What can IFS help with?

Whether you are facing a tough decision, feeling caught up in the past, or can’t seem to move the right direction in life and relationships, IFS can be a great tool for getting to where you want to be.